Ellen Vidalakis Furgis, 86, passed away!!!!

Ellen
Vidalakis Furgis, 86, passed away on February 7, 2013 surrounded by her
family and friends. She grew up in Bingham Canyon, Utah, where her
parents, Spiros and Kyraki Vidalakis, had emigrated from Crete. In July
1953 she married George C. Furgis. At the age of 8, Ellen lost her
mother, and from then on she and cooking went hand-in-hand. She couldn't
have realized that as she fed her younger brother and sisters, she was
embarking on one of the great missions of her life. She went on to feed
rich and poor, usually at the same table, and what a table it was! There
was elegance and simplicity, thoughtful conversation and easy chatter.

She became a celebrated cook and authored the cookbook Greek Cooking at
Its American Best. Through her focus on food, she was able to introduce
to newcomers and preserve for old-timers the beautiful aspects of the
Greek culture. Her cooking classes and demonstrations became favorites
throughout the valley and were fundamental in creating interest in
ethnic cultures.

Ellen was known for her big parties and fundraisers,
complete with "lamb on a spit." In 1986 and 1987, she co-chaired the
Greek Festival, helping to take it to the large-scale production it is
today. She was very active in other aspects of the community. She was
instrumental in instituting kindergarten classes in the Jordan School
District in 1972. She was appointed co-chair of the "White House
Conference on Families" by Governor Scott Matheson. She was a member of
the Board of Trustees at Westminster College where she received an
honorary degree. Ellen enjoyed her association with the Gina Bauchauer
International Piano Competition and her fundraising efforts for Odyssey
House, the Utah Symphony, the American Cancer Society, and Camp
Kostopolous. Ellen had a powerful yet gentle presence and left a
lasting impression on those who knew her. She found joy in living and
she lived fully and heartily. Her generosity was unsurpassed. The dinner
table was always filled with family and friends as well as people
working on the house, students from East High, and random visitors who
happened to stop by. Her family never let her open a restaurant because
they knew she'd go broke feeding everyone for free.Ellen was nothing
if not egalitarian. She was well-versed in a wide variety of topics and
could captivate an audience with her knowledge of ancient Greece,
history, politics, and of course, the Utah Jazz. She rarely missed a
game on television and would call family members and friends at halftime
to rehash with vigor great plays and "bad calls." She enjoyed playing
bridge and was a life master in duplicate. Despite her sophisticated
palate, she never passed up a chance to dine on Kentucky Fried Chicken.
She'd return to her richer tastes and end the meal with a few Cummings
chocolates, always nearby.

Ellen
died at home, her expansive bedroom windows bathing the room in light.
She slipped gracefully and peacefully from this life surrounded by the
people whom she had loved and supported and whose love now bore her up. This
remarkable woman will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren,
and many friends. She is survived by children, Karen Furgis; Jennifer
Politakis; Christopher (Kynthia) Furgis and their children, her dear
namesake, Ellen Grace, Peter, and Georgie; and George Furgis (Susanne
Gustin) and their son Michael James; brother Dr. Nick Vidalakis (Nancy);
sister Carrie Fugett and many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in
death by husband George C. Furgis, sister Vida Riddle and niece Nada
Riddle. A viewing will be held Friday, February 15 from
5-8:00 p.m. at Deseret Mortuary, 36 E. 700 S., with a Trisagion at 7:30
p.m. Funeral services at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 300 S. 300
W., at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16. Friends can pay respects 1 hour
prior. Interment will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, please donate to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

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About Us

The Hellenic League of America, HLA’s name was inspired by the many different ancient confederations of Hellenic City-states which banded together in ‘leagues’. Such famous Hellenic Leagues were the Ionian League, the Italiote League, the Arcadian League, the Achaean League, the Peloponnesian League, the Chalkidian League, the Boeotian League, the Cretan League and the Delian League. However, our main inspiration is found in the League of Corinth, commonly referred to as the Hellenic League. Originally created under Philip II of Macedon, the Hellenic League was led by Megas Alexandros in his great campaign against the Persian Empire. It is in this spirit of brotherhood and unity that the HLA takes its name.

The 16 points of Hellenic Advocacy: The 16 points of Vergina

Pan-Hellenism

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Culture ---------------------------------------------- Education

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Nationalism

Pan-Hellenism

To Foster Unity between all Hellenic-American Organizations nationwide

2. To Foster the rebirth of lost branches of Hellenism, such as Italiote Hellenism

3. To organize and promote Pan-Hellenic events and gatherings

Nationalism

To foster healthy Nationalistic feelings in Hellenic-America for our ancestral homeland, culturally and socially; preparing Hellenic-American youth for active participation in the Hellenic-American Community

2. To advocate and support a return to our Hellenic homelands by encouraging a return to the lands under the legal jurisdiction of the current Hellenic State. To advocate and support cultural awareness of our ancestral homeland of Hellas; as well as our historical Hellenic homelands of Magna Graecia, Northern Epirus, Pelagonia, Northern and Eastern Thrace, Anatolia, Pontos and the ‘Right to return’ to Cyprus after the island has been freed of all Turkish settlers and Military occupation.

3. To foster the concept of aggressive advocacy in the United States for Issues concerning Hellenism; to battle against the stigma of ‘Nationalism’

Culture

To promote and encourage interest and research in to our ancient traditions and culture